Dignitaries and students came together on campus Wednesday in a passionate discourse on human rights, paying particular attention to the current situation in Myanmar.
Guests at the Global Human Rights Summit included senior United Nations official Enzo di Taranto and Jack Healey, former head of Amnesty International and founder of the Human Rights Action Center.
The event coincided with the current conflict in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar ““ formerly Burma ““ where the military is attempting to stop a democratic uprising and has come under heavy criticism from other world leaders, including President Bush.
Though photos have been taken in Myanmar of what appears to be military action against civilians, including monks, the country’s leaders say they have used only minimal force and that the reports of extensive violence and brutality are false.
Prince Hso-Khan-Pha of the Shan people of Myanmar, an exiled leader who helped found Burma Watch International, also spoke about the current situation in his country and received much support from attendees, including Healey.
“The massacre that is occurring in Burma must be stopped immediately,” Healey said.
The event emphasized the 30 points of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948.
Healey said he has been attempting to have governments publish the declaration in their passports as a way to hold them accountable, adding that he believes many countries have neglected this document.
While there was much discussion about human rights concerns such as the situation in Myanmar, the day also took a positive tone with everyone looking to the youth delegates as the future of human rights activism.
The 21 delegates came from all over the globe to share some of the human rights issues that are important in their countries.
Mary Shuttleworth, president of Youth for Human Rights International and an organizer of the event, said human rights and youth activism are “such a natural match,” praising the vision and clarity of younger generations.
Healey said students in particular should be informed and active about issues affecting others their age.
“It’s a natural bond. Young people should be supporting other young people,” he said.
Di Taranto said he also appreciated the youth perspective on these issues, which he said is important to his work.
“I’m here … to promote the work the United Nations does promoting human rights with emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing,” he said, adding that this work is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He said part of this effort includes using Web-based technologies to connect human rights activities around the world, such as bringing together the youth delegates and activists at events similar to this summit.
Shuttleworth said she hoped the event would “bring the voice of youth out, because the dignitaries need to hear it.”
Many present said while the day’s discussions were enlightening and important, they see non-violent action as ultimately the most powerful tool in ending abuses of human rights.
“Let’s get it out of politics and back down to the people,” Shuttleworth said.